The response to the Sew-Along has been fantastic! I'm thrilled that so many of you will be participating. There have also been a lot of questions, and while I'm still working specifics out (I haven't even seen the pattern yet so it's difficult to get too specific!), here are answers to a few general FAQ.

When will we start sewing? I'm going to use the next three weeks to publish a bunch of "prep" posts. These will include posts on choosing fabric, gathering supplies, and even a special post with Sarai Mitnick, the designer of the pattern! Then we'll start sewing our muslins. I'm aiming to have my post on constructing a muslin up the week of September 13th. (Don't worry, I'll let you know what supplies you'll need for your muslin in advance!) This will have us on track to be sewing our coats by the end of September.

Can you help me pick a fabric? Yes! Yes, I can! One of the things I'm planning is posts about specific fabrics that will work well for this coat, along with links to online shops.

I love the coat, but I want my lapels to be smaller. How do I do this? All in good time, my pretties. I will address this specific concern in the muslin stage.

Can I use a different pattern? Sure! The steps to tailoring are pretty standard no matter what your design, but if this is your first coat, I'd recommend sticking to the group pattern.

Can I make the coat without a dress form? Absolutely! I would recommend that everyone get pictures of themselves in their muslins so we can offer fitting feedback.

Why don't you start a Flickr pool? Will do! Since our sew-along group is going to be so big, I'm really counting on all of you to make this a community project. If you feel comfortable doing so, please offer your feedback on muslins and other questions.

I'm really looking forward to this too and also need to find a non-wool, allergy friendly, option. Oh, to be able to visit Mood. Be still my heart.

Would it be insanity to draft a pattern with cuffs and a big collar, make them in something like velvet or faux fur, and have the main body of the coat be wool? I really want the warmth but can't have wool be in contact with my neck or wrists.

This is very exciting! Perfect timing...I had just recently decided to make my first coat. I won't be doing Lady Grey though as I had already bought my pattern and started my muslin. Just the other day I had some very effective thesis writing procrastination in the form of your excellent red coat vlogs

So, I've been lurking for a while now and decided it is high time to commit and introduce myself :) I really enjoy your blog and how you discuss so much more than just sewing and fashion. I recently started sewing again, have found it to be seriously addicting, and am trying to keep my own blog (mainly for my mom) on sewing, though I generally don't want to take my free time to write rather than sew. I look forward to my first sew along sewing the Lady Grey coat with you!!

I would so LOVE to participate for so many reasons! I love the pattern; I love sew alongs; I love the way you get me to try and work better on my projects; I think this would be the perfect opportunity to work on tailoring!I just have one *tiny* problem... The pattern is too small for me. I have a 48 inches bust, a 44 inches waist and a 55 inches hip. I usually modify my patterns to fit and it always looks good. But for this one, I am really afraid as it is going to be pretty tailored, and if I participate, I would do so with a nice fabric...Do you think I should try to modify the pattern even if it seems a LOT to me? would you have any other idea?Thanks so so much!

Well, upon further thinkage (I'm hemming; what is else is there to do but think?) I'm going to futz around with BWOF 11/2005 124 and 133, and make a princes seam coat with contrast awesome shawl fur collar and cuffs. I need a winter coat in black or grey (I already have red, grassy green and tan) but didn't want anything too boring - this will be dramatic in style but classic in colour.

Hey Laurwyn, as long as you're comfortable making your usual sizing changes in a muslin, you should be able to do this. I would add the extra inches you need to your princess seams and side seams, distributing them evenly around.

FairLadyofCardigan, I'm confused! Did you read somewhere that the designer changed the lapels since the test version? Because the final pattern should look like Sunni's test version unless there were changes that I don't know about. If you just want to make the lapels a little smaller, I'll be covering that in the muslin stage.

Aw, too sad that I can't join in!I'm leaving for New York this Sunday and I won't have a sewing machine for a year...I suppose I will cheer for you all and read up on all your posts later for support when I finally make a coat!

I have been reading your blog for about six months and am looking forward to this sew along. After reading about the coats you made last year I already bought one of the coat patterns,the navy one. But, for my first time tailoring, I am going to use the lady grey coat since it is so fabulous.

I think I might join you, if I can get myself to grade up the waist a size, and the hips two sizes (pear sized yes). I don't think it should be too hard, even if it's my first coat and one of my first gradings.

I thought the neckline looked higher or the lapel looked smaller. It might be a fit adjustment, I'm not sure. I just don't want the jacket to be so open because it will exaggerate the broadness of my shoulders.

Perhaps I'll wait and see what the fit is like after I make the muslin.

I wish I had enough money right now to do this, but I'm gonna get the pattern and watch the progress eagerly. And hopefully I'll be able to afford some lovely fabric later and make myself that beautiful coat!

Ah, I see what you mean, FairLadyofCardigan. Yeah, I definitely think you should make the muslin and see what the fit is like on you. Make sure to upload your muslin pics to the Flickr pool once I get it going!

oh! I might just be able to do this!! Not that I NEED to, mind you, since I have a TON of other things I could sew instead, but sewing a coat seems like fun, especially with other people, and I might already have the fabric!

I'd like to participate, but the sizing is all wrong. As a very full figured woman, this pattern just won't work as the largest size it comes in is 18. I can manage to grade up by about one size, so there's no way this will work.

I am, however, planning on a coat... for my niece. It's even a vintage pattern. Could I sew along with that, instead? I'm making it out of french blue wool melton, lined with a lightweight flannel backed satin, and underlined with a lightweight cotton flannel. I'm planning on covered buttons and bound buttonholes, too...

Add me to the list of very excited sewists! I got an email on Friday saying my pattern had already shipped and I picked up an outrageous bengaline fabric in peacock blue that glows like a jewel... my kind of outrageous! I've never done a sew-along before because my sewing time is so incredibly limited that I was worried I'd never be able to keep up, but I'm so inspired by the gorgeous pattern and our lovely hostess... I may be a step or two behind but I'll be loving every step of the way.

oooo.... I'm so torn! I've looked at this pattern a few times and part of me would LOVE to make it, but part of me isn't so sure it'd be flattering on me. I already have a fall coat project planned (Simplicity 2812 and some awesome upholstery fabric to go with it!) but it would be so FUN to sew along with everyone else!!

Late to the party due to a busy Monday. My pattern arrived Saturday, and I'm hauling my 4+ yards of wool flannel to the dry cleaner for steam pressing this week. I look forward to the rest of the prep posts. Add me to the list of people who formerly lurked. I think you can tell how excited I am by this project because I've actually commented. Thanks again for thinking of this.

I don't believe the test version lapels of this coat are any different than the final version available for sale. I found that the directions called for a fusible interfacing to be attached to the top side of the lapels and collar. I'm not big into fusibles, so I attached a sew-in to the top sides and found that the collar flipped up and the lapels laid really wide around the neck. I decided to put the interfacing on the bottom sides and found it to be better as the collar didn't flip up and the lapels laid more naturally. Hopefully this helps FairLadyOfCardigans. I'm sure that Gertie will give us lessons on how to make adjustments to the lapels too! Hip Hip Hooray! I'm very excited!

My Lady Grey pattern came yesterday! I have been wanting to expand my sewing skills and your blog has certaining increased my knowledge. As a "newby" to a sew along I look forward to this new sewing experience and working along with so many! Keep the prep tips coming Gertie!!

This is super exciting! I'm looking forward to participating in this. I'm a bit nervous because it's my first coat & first sew-along. However, I know that if anyone can help make this project fun, it's you Gertie. You have a great way of explaining things so they don't seem so daunting.

I do have one suggestion. Could we possibly arrange a Lady Grey fabric shopping trip for those of us in the NYC area?

I'm delurking to say that I want to join, and to ask a question. My bust measurement is slightly larger than the largest size in the pattern. My other measurements are within the guidelines. I've been sewing for a while, but I've never altered any patterns--which is mostly why I want to do this sew-along. Is it possible for me to use this pattern?

megan: welcome! And yes, you can absolutely use this pattern. What you're going to want to do is a Princess Seam FBA (full bust adjustment). I'm pretty sure the book Fit For Real People tells you how to do this, and you can probably find online tutorials as well.

Gertie, I discovered your blog a few days ago through the Colette Patterns website. You have wonderful (and helpful) content and a great sense of humor. I'd love to join in the sew-along. I am one of those that already bought a pattern earlier this year (McCall's M5717) along with fabric (velvet).Thank you for hostessing this project.

Hi - Have just ordered my pattern, am in the uk so glad to have found Colette patterns. And am really looking forward to the whole process of the project. A big thanks. Would not have done this on my own!

This project is very exciting!I don´t know how to tell you see I am a pear shape and a size 18 big hips small top ane tha way the skirt of the coat is made I will look wayyy to big so am thinking if I can make it into A line instead of a full skirt well any ideas?

Fantastic - I won't be sewing along as I've already made a Lady Grey. But I love this pattern and I'm DEFINITELY going to be reading along for the tailoring tips. For everyone that's pear shaped, I'm pear shaped too and I find this style very flattering :)

Very late to the party, but I just want to express commenter solidarity. As a former lurker amidst the shadows, I'm thrilled to join this project. I plan to make my Lady Gray as a basic wardrobe staple in camel-colored rainwear fabric. Here are some great resources for anyone else wishing to purchase hard-to-find rainwear fabric for this project.

I'll be looking for some affordable silk fabric for the lining in a fun pattern. Let me know what you ladies find out there!

I just ordered my Lady Gray pattern. I've loved the coat since first seeing it. The pattern is rated "Advanced", so I don't know if I can handle it but I'm willing to give it a try. I'd like to join your sew-along.

So excited to have the company for my first coat! Heading to the fabric shop tomorrow to check out the options...

I've never fitted anything so tailored - I have large post-partum boobs which are two sizes bigger than my hips and a size bigger than my waist. Am I looking at an FBA? I'm never sure which measurement I should start from tbh.

My other question is about lengthening the sleeves - possible or not? Not for this version, but if it works I'd like another that could be a mac for this silly english weather.

Well, I've commented, and lurked from afar (Google reader...) but I'm joining in on the action. While I LOVE Colette Patterns and the fabulous styles they're doing, I think the lapels aren't really my style and I've been obsessing about the Vogue 8346 Coat pattern ever since you made the fantastic red coat. I figured since you have sewn that pattern, I'd sew along with that pattern instead. I don't know if I can afford fabric yet, so thus far I'm planning on participating in the muslin/fitting stage.

Congratulations on your book deal, btw!! How exciting!!

Jealous that I'm not in the New York area and can't go shopping with you New Yorkers...

I bought my pattern. I'm in! I am really eager though for you to start giving fabric recommends because my own misgiving is that I am in South Florida and wonder if this is going to be a garment I will ever actually be able to wear more than once a decade, on the one cold day we get down here.

Okay, I am in. I was hesitating because of my CRAZY busy schedule and fear of making a coat, but I am throwing my hat in the ring (is that the correct saying?) Anyway, I am IN and I found some really yummy fabric too! I am VERY excited.